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Full text of this paper is not available in the ETD Center. Copies may be available for inter-library loan from Kent State University or may be available for purchase from Proquest/UMI

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The Effects of Stress on Numeracy in Relation to Decision Making

Choi, Samantha
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1523964959607048

Abstract Details

2018, BS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences.
The cognitive ability to understand numerical concepts and work with basic probabilities, termed numeracy, has become an integral part of functioning within society. Many studies have shown that lower numeracy is associated with a decreased ability to make good judgements and decisions. Research has also shown that stress can hinder decision making processes. Although numeric information is often presented to individuals during stressful events or periods, there is a gap in the literature concerning how numeracy and stress interact. Previous researchers have typically assumed that numeracy is a stable trait; however, whether numeracy can be influenced by affective state has not been experimentally assessed. This study examined whether stress could negatively impact both objective and subjective numeracy, and whether lower numeracy was associated with less accurate decision making. One-hundred and two undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a control condition or an emotion manipulation designed to induce stress. Analyses revealed that neither objective or subjective numeracy differed across stress and control conditions. Additionally, numeracy did not significantly influence decision making ability. The present research provides preliminary evidence that numeracy might be a stable trait. However, further research is needed to determine whether numeracy can change over a longer period of time or when people are experiencing other types of affect.
Jennifer Taber, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Alexander Seed, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Clarissa Thompson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Cindy Widuck, M.P.H. (Committee Member)
42 p.
Health; Psychology
numeracy; objective numeracy; subjective numeracy; stress; affect; decision making;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Choi, S. (2018). The Effects of Stress on Numeracy in Relation to Decision Making [Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1523964959607048

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Choi, Samantha. The Effects of Stress on Numeracy in Relation to Decision Making . 2018. Kent State University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1523964959607048.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Choi, Samantha. "The Effects of Stress on Numeracy in Relation to Decision Making ." Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1523964959607048

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ksuhonors1523964959607048